Bus drivers in the Plum Borough School District are wondering when they will know the fate of the transportation department now that the union contract expires in two months.
The school board began exploring options to outsource the work earlier this year and sent out several requests for proposals. In April, the district gave the bus companies that offered proposals a chance to revise their bids and agreed to let new companies submit proposals.
Donna Meanor, bus union president, said the union is wondering when the district will stop receiving new proposals and make a decision because the union contract expires July 31.
"How long is this going to go on, when is enough, enough⢠If you're not going to keep us, tell us so we can retire or find another job," said Meanor. "Time is winding down, it's getting really close. Why is it taking so long, what is going on?"
Paul Olijar, board finance chairman, said the administration has a deadline in mind to stop accepting proposals, but that date is not public information.
"We'll be discussing that with the union in the very near future," said Olijar. "We have to move forward to negotiate with all parties involved to make sure we get the best service at the best price."
The union is set to meet with district officials today (Wednesday) to review the revised proposals from Laidlaw, A.J. Myers and Sons and Student Transportation of America. Proposals from A-1 Transit and AKS Transportation have also been submitted.
In the original round of proposals, Laidlaw had the lowest bid at $2.5 million in the first year of the contract and a 3 percent increase each year after.
The revised proposals show A.J. Myers and Sons with the lowest bid at $2,564,985 for the first year of the contract with an increase of no more than 5 percent annually.
So far Tom Zeminski, Plum transportation director, still has the lowest bid at a cost of less than $2.3 million for the first year of the contract. Historically, Zeminski's budgets have increased at rates of 1 percent or lower annually.
Meanor is also frustrated that during each of the union's meetings with the district to discuss the future of the department, there have been no school board members present.
Olijar said the board decided it would be best if Sheldon Berk, interim business manager, and Bill Andrews, district solicitor, handled the meetings.
As to the drivers' concern about where they will be working next year, Olijar said if a contractor were hired there would be a stipulation that all existing bus drivers be offered employment.
"The perfect proposal would save the district money in the long term, not just today but five years from now, and would ensure the safety of our kids," said Olijar.
Meanor is also concerned that as the school year winds down, the bus department will begin the summer season of bussing children to special needs schools. She is concerned that a decision won't be made until after the summer runs begin and the service could be interrupted or altered to bring in a new contractor.
"The question is when will you have enough information and review it?" Meanor said.
Kristie Linden is a reporter for The Advance Leader
